Summer in the Parks

About

Summer in the Parks transforms Auckland's most beautiful green spaces into vibrant community celebrations with free live music, performances, and entertainment throughout the summer months. Families can pack a picnic, spread out a blanket, and enjoy everything from contemporary music to cultural performances in a relaxed, kid-friendly atmosphere. It's the perfect way to experience Auckland's outdoor culture while giving children space to play, dance, and explore without any admission costs.

What to Expect

Expect a laid-back festival atmosphere where families arrive early to claim prime picnic spots on the grass before the performances begin. Children can run freely in the open park areas, dance near the stage, or play on nearby playground equipment while parents relax on blankets. The concerts typically feature local and touring artists across various genres, with many events including roaming entertainers, bubble artists, or children's performers before the main acts. The vibe is casual and community-focused, with families of all backgrounds gathering for an evening under the summer sky.

Highlights for Kids

• Dancing freely on the grass right in front of the stage without formal seating restrictions
• Meeting other local families and experiencing New Zealand's multicultural community in a relaxed setting
• Playground equipment at many venues like Cornwall Park where kids can play before and between performances
• Watching the sunset over Auckland while listening to live music
• Special children's entertainment and roaming performers at many events before the main acts

Pro Tips for Families

1. Arrive 60-90 minutes before showtime to secure a good spot with shade from trees, as summer sun can be intense until late evening and popular concerts fill up quickly
2. Bring insect repellent for sandflies and mosquitoes, especially at parks near water, and pack layers as Auckland evenings can cool down quickly after sunset
3. Check the event website before heading out as weather can cause cancellations or relocations, and different parks have different amenities like playgrounds and public toilets
4. International visitors should note that New Zealand summer means December-February, and daylight savings keeps it light until about 9pm, so concerts often start around 6-7pm when families would normally be doing bedtime routines

Best Time to Visit

Arrive between 5:00-5:30pm to set up your picnic area and let kids burn energy on playground equipment before the concert starts around 6:30-7:00pm. Coming early also gives you the best spot selection and allows children to settle in before crowds arrive. Sunday afternoon concerts tend to be slightly less crowded than Saturday events, though both offer excellent family-friendly vibes.

Food & Drinks

Most events feature a selection of food trucks offering everything from gourmet burgers and wood-fired pizza to Asian cuisine and ice cream, though prices can be higher than typical restaurant meals (NZ$12-20 per main). Many families bring their own picnic spreads, which is encouraged and expected at these events. Note that New Zealand has strict biosecurity laws, so international visitors cannot bring fresh produce from overseas, but local supermarkets like Countdown or New World near the parks offer excellent picnic supplies. BYO alcohol is typically permitted for adults (check specific event rules), but glass bottles are usually prohibited.

Parking & Access

Parking fills up quickly at popular venues like Cornwall Park, so arrive early or consider using Auckland's public transport system, which is straightforward for international visitors using an AT HOP card (available at convenience stores and transport centers). Most parks are stroller-accessible with paved pathways to concert areas, though you'll be setting up on grass. Ride-share services like Uber operate throughout Auckland and can be easier than driving, especially for visitors unfamiliar with local parking regulations. Cornwall Park has dedicated parking areas, while smaller venues may require street parking in surrounding neighborhoods.